1.The path, dilemma, and countermeasures for patients to inform their families of the breaking bad news
Fengxing ZHONG ; Xiuping YIN ; Tiantian BAI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(1):116-122
Clinically, the occurrence of the breaking bad news is inevitable. For patients, they not only need to accept and cope with bad news, but also need to inform the bad news to their families with clear thinking and appropriate language, seeking their support and cooperation. This paper analysed the connotation and informing dilemma of bad news, investigated patients’ informing tendencies, as well as evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of three disclosure methods, including concealment, immediate informing, and staged informing. On these bases, a detailed response strategy for patients to inform their families was proposed in three parts, including pre-preparation, mid-articulation, and post-summary. In the initial phase, thorough preparation is essential. During the middle stage, when delivering bad news, use plain language and help family members adjust their emotions. In the final phase, ensure that all information and viewpoints have been fully communicated. In addition, the roles and analysis steps that doctors should play were analysed from their perspective and combined with the degree of doctor-patient trust. Effective informing of bad news is not only about communication skills, but also involves a deep understanding and respect for the psychological needs of patients and their families. Through meticulous preparation, appropriate expression, emotional support, and clear confirmation, communication and trust are promoted to face and overcome difficulties together.
2.Prognostic Factors of Liposarcoma in Head and Neck
Shuo DING ; Zhigang HUANG ; Jugao FANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Lizhen HOU ; Wei GUO ; Gaofei YIN ; Qi ZHONG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):31-35
Objective To explore the pathogenesis and prognostic factors of liposarcoma in the head and neck region, and simultaneously analyze the efficacy of different treatment regimens. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with primary untreated head and neck liposarcoma who were diagnosed and underwent surgical treatment at our hospital from January 2008 to January 2024. All patients were monitored during follow-up, and their prognoses were analyzed using SPSS software. Results A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Liposarcoma accounted for up to 60% of the cases in the orbit, while the remaining liposarcomas were primarily located in various interspaces of the neck. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma was the most common type, comprising 33%, while myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma was the rarest at 4%. The tumor pathological type (P<0.001) and Ki67 (P=0.014) significantly affected the tumor control rate. However, an analysis of disease-specific survival rates revealed no significant differences across various factors (all P>0.05). Conclusion The prognosis of head and neck liposarcoma is better compared to that of liposarcomas in other parts of the body. However, myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, pleomorphic fat sarcoma, and high Ki67 levels are indicators of poor prognosis. Additionally, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy does not significantly enhance disease-specific survival rates.
3.Working practices in eliminating the public health crisis caused by viral hepatitis in Hainan Province of China
Weihua LI ; Changfu XIONG ; Taifan CHEN ; Bin HE ; Dapeng YIN ; Xuexia ZENG ; Feng LIN ; Biyu CHEN ; Xiaomei ZENG ; Biao WU ; Juan JIANG ; Lu ZHONG ; Yuhui ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):228-233
In 2022, Hainan provincial government launched the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis with the goals of a hepatitis B screening rate of 90%, a diagnostic rate of 90%, and a treatment rate of 80% among people aged 18 years and above by the year 2025, and the main intervention measures include population-based prevention, case screening, antiviral therapy, and health management. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 6.875 million individuals in the general population had been screened for hepatitis B, with a screening rate of 95.6%. A total of 184 710 individuals with positive HBsAg were identified, among whom 156 772 were diagnosed through serological reexamination, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 84.9%. A total of 50 742 patients with chronic hepatitis B were identified, among whom 42 921 had hepatitis B-specific health records established for health management, with a file establishment rate of 84.6%. A total of 31 553 individuals received antiviral therapy, with a treatment rate of 62.2%. A total of 2.503 million individuals at a high risk of hepatitis C were screened, among whom 4 870 tested positive for HCV antibody and 3 858 underwent HCV RNA testing, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 79.2%, and 1 824 individuals with positive HCV RNA were identified, among whom 1 194 received antiviral therapy, with a treatment rate of 65.5%. In addition, 159 301 individuals with negative HBsAg and anti-HBs and an age of 20 — 40 years were inoculated with hepatitis B vaccine free of charge. Through the implementation of the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis, a large number of hepatitis patients have been identified, treated, and managed in the province within a short period of time, which significantly accelerates the efforts to eliminate the crisis of viral hepatitis.
5.Effects of Exercise Training on The Behaviors and HPA Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rats Through The Gut Microbiota
Xue-Mei CHEN ; Yin-Hua LI ; Jiu-Gen ZHONG ; Zhao-Ming YANG ; Xiao-Hui HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1511-1528
ObjectiveThe study explores the influence of voluntary wheel running on the behavioral abnormalities and the activation state of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rats through gut microbiota. MethodsSD female rats were selected and administered either400 mg/kg of valproic acid (VPA) solution or an equivalent volume of saline via intraperitoneal injection on day 12.5 of pregnancy. The resulting offspring were divided into 2 groups: the ASD model group (PASD, n=35) and the normal control group (PCON, n=16). Behavioral assessments, including the three-chamber social test, open field test, and Morris water maze, were conducted on postnatal day 23. After behavioral testing, 8 rats from each group (PCON, PASD) were randomly selected for serum analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) concentration, to evaluate the functional state of the HPA axis in rats. On postnatal day 28, the remaining 8 rats in the PCON group were designated as the control group (CON, n=8), and the remaining 27 rats in the PASD group were randomly divided into 4 groups: ASD non-intervention group (ASD, n=6), ASD exercise group (ASDE, n=8), ASD fecal microbiota transplantation group (FMT, n=8), and ASD sham fecal microbiota transplantation group (sFMT, n=5). The rats in the ASD group and the CON group were kept under standard conditions, while the rats in the ASDE group performed 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running intervention starting on postnatal day 28. The rats in the FMT group were gavaged daily from postnatal day 42 with 1 ml/100 g fresh fecal suspension from ASDE rats which had undergone exercise for 2 weeks, 5 d per week, continuing for 4 weeks. The sFMT group received an equivalent volume of saline. After the interventions were completed, behavioral assessments and HPA axis markers were measured for all groups. ResultsBefore the intervention, the ASD model group exhibited significantly reduced social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, and exploratory interest, as well as impaired spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to the normal control group (P<0.05). Serum concentration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) in the PASD group were significantly higher than those in the PCON group (P<0.05). Following 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running, the ASDE group showed significant improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, spatial learning, memory, and navigation skills compared to the ASD group (P<0.05), with a significant decrease in serum CORT concentration (P<0.05), and a downward trend in CRH and ACTH concentration. After 4 weeks of fecal microbiota transplantation in the exercise group, the FMT group showed marked improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, as well as spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to both the ASD and sFMT groups (P<0.05). In addition, serum ACTH and CORT concentration were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and CRH concentration also showed a decreasing trend. ConclusionExercise may improve ASD-related behaviors by suppressing the activation of the HPA axis, with the gut microbiota likely playing a crucial role in this process.
6.The Critical Roles of GABAergic Interneurons in The Pathological Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Ke-Han CHEN ; Zheng-Jiang YANG ; Zi-Xin GAO ; Yuan YAO ; De-Zhong YAO ; Yin YANG ; Ke CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2233-2240
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, is characterized by severe cognitive decline, loss of daily living abilities, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This condition imposes a substantial burden on patients, families, and society. Despite extensive research efforts, the complex pathogenesis of AD, particularly the early mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction, remains incompletely understood, posing significant challenges for timely diagnosis and effective therapeutic intervention. Among the various cellular components implicated in AD, GABAergic interneurons have emerged as critical players in the pathological cascade, playing a pivotal role in maintaining neural network integrity and function in key brain regions affected by the disease. GABAergic interneurons represent a heterogeneous population of inhibitory neurons essential for sustaining neural network homeostasis. They achieve this by precisely modulating rhythmic oscillatory activity (e.g., theta and gamma oscillations), which are crucial for cognitive processes such as learning and memory. These interneurons synthesize and release the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, exerting potent control over excitatory pyramidal neurons through intricate local circuits. Their primary mechanism involves synaptic inhibition, thereby modulating the excitability and synchrony of neural populations. Emerging evidence highlights the significant involvement of GABAergic interneuron dysfunction in AD pathogenesis. Contrary to earlier assumptions of their resistance to the disease, specific subtypes exhibit vulnerability or altered function early in the disease process. Critically, this impairment is not merely a consequence but appears to be a key driver of network hyperexcitability, a hallmark feature of AD models and potentially a core mechanism underlying cognitive deficits. For instance, parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons display biphasic alterations in activity. Both suppressing early hyperactivity or enhancing late activity can rescue cognitive deficits, underscoring their causal role. Somatostatin-positive (SST+) neurons are highly sensitive to amyloid β-protein (Aβ) dysfunction. Their functional impairment drives AD progression via a dual pathway: compensatory hyperexcitability promotes Aβ generation, while released SST-14 forms toxic oligomers with Aβ, collectively accelerating neuronal loss and amyloid deposition, forming a vicious cycle. Vasoactive intestinal peptide-positive (VIP+) neurons, although potentially spared in number early in the disease, exhibit altered firing properties (e.g., broader spikes, lower frequency), contributing to network dysfunction (e.g., in CA1). Furthermore, VIP release induced by 40 Hz sensory stimulation (GENUS) enhances glymphatic clearance of Aβ, demonstrating a direct link between VIP neuron function and modulation of amyloid pathology. Given their central role in network stability and their demonstrable dysfunction in AD, GABAergic interneurons represent promising therapeutic targets. Current research primarily explores three approaches: increasing interneuron numbers (e.g., improving cortical PV+ interneuron counts and behavior in APP/PS1 mice with the antidepressant citalopram; transplanting stem cells differentiated into functional GABAergic neurons to enhance cognition), enhancing neuronal activity (e.g., using low-dose levetiracetam or targeted activation of specific molecules to boost PV+ interneuron excitability, restoring neural network γ‑oscillations and memory; non-invasive neuromodulation techniques like 40 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), GENUS, and minimally invasive electroacupuncture to improve inhibitory regulation, promote memory, and reduce Aβ), and direct GABA system intervention (clinical and animal studies reveal reduced GABA levels in AD-affected brain regions; early GABA supplementation improves cognition in APP/PS1 mice, suggesting a therapeutic time window). Collectively, these findings establish GABAergic interneuron intervention as a foundational rationale and distinct pathway for AD therapy. In conclusion, GABAergic interneurons, particularly the PV+, SST+, and VIP+ subtypes, play critical and subtype-specific roles in the initiation and progression of AD pathology. Their dysfunction significantly contributes to network hyperexcitability, oscillatory deficits, and cognitive decline. Understanding the heterogeneity in their vulnerability and response mechanisms provides crucial insights into AD pathogenesis. Targeting these interneurons through pharmacological, neuromodulatory, or cellular approaches offers promising avenues for developing novel, potentially disease-modifying therapies.
7.Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of P53 and P21 in articular cartilage and subchondral bone of aged rats with knee osteoarthritis
Xiarong HUANG ; Lizhi HU ; Guanghua SUN ; Xinke PENG ; Ying LIAO ; Yuan LIAO ; Jing LIU ; Linwei YIN ; Peirui ZHONG ; Ting PENG ; Jun ZHOU ; Mengjian QU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(8):1174-1179
BACKGROUND:There are many treatment methods for knee osteoarthritis,among which electroacupuncture,as an important non-drug treatment,is effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis,but its exact mechanism is not clear. OBJECTIVE:Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of p53 and P21 in articular cartilage and subchondral bone of aged rats with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS:Eight 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the young group and sixteen 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into old group(n=8)and electroacupuncture group(n=8).The rats in the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture stimulation once a day,5 days a week,for 8 continuous weeks,and the other two groups did not do any treatment.Eight weeks later,the level of type Ⅱ collagen C-terminal peptide in peripheral blood was detected by ELISA,the morphology of left knee cartilage and subchondral bone was observed by safranin O-fast green staining,the degree of knee cartilage degeneration was evaluated by modified Mankin's score,the microstructure of left knee cartilage and subchondral bone was detected by micro-CT,and the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 13,P53,P21 Mrna and protein were detected by RT-PCR and western blot respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the young group,the level of C-terminal peptide of type Ⅱ collagen in the peripheral blood was increased in the old group(P<0.05).The micro-CT results showed that the bone volume fraction,bone mineral density and the number of bone trabeculae were decreased in the old group compared with the young group(P<0.05),while the trabecular separation increased(P<0.05).Safranin O-fast green staining showed that in the old group,the surface layer of cartilage was uneven with fissures,the morphology of chondrocytes was irregular and stained unevenly,the boundary between the cartilage and subchondral bone was blurred,and the matrix loss was serious.The Mankin's score was higher in the old group than the young group(P<0.05).The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13,P53,P21 at Mrna and protein levels increased in the old group compared with the young group(P<0.05).Compared with the old group,electroacupuncture decreased the level of C-terminal peptide of type Ⅱ collagen(P<0.05),increased the bone volume fraction,bone mineral density and the number of bone trabeculae(P<0.05),and decreased the trabecular separation(P<0.05).Safranin O-fast green staining showed that in the electroacupuncture group,the surface of cartilage was smooth and red staining was uniform,and the cell morphology and structure were between the young group and the old group.Following electroacupuncture treatment,the Mankin's score(P<0.05),matrix metalloproteinase 13 and P21 Mrna expression(P<0.05),and matrix metalloproteinase 13 and P53 protein expression decreased(P<0.05),while there was a decreasing trend of P53 Mrna and P21 protein expression,but with no statistical significance(P>0.05).To conclude,electroacupuncture may delay articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral osteoporosis in aged rats by inhibiting the expression of P53 and P21,so as to protect joints and delay joint aging.
8.Finite element analysis of the correlation between tilt angle of titanium cage and postoperative subsidence of titanium cage after anterior subtotal cervical corpectomy,decompression and fusion
Zhifei LI ; Yin YANG ; Hualong CHEN ; Qinqiu LIANG ; Yuanming ZHONG ; Yisheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(9):1313-1319
BACKGROUND:Anterior subtotal corpectomy,decompression and fusion is a conventional method to treat cervical degenerative diseases.A titanium cage is an important implant to maintain the stability of the cervical spine after subtotal corpectomy.In recent years,many patients have complications such as titanium cage sinking,which are highly controversial. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the internal biomechanical relationship between the tilt angle of the titanium cage and postoperative titanium cage subsidence after anterior subtotal cervical corpectomy,decompression and fusion. METHODS:A three-dimensional finite element model of the C4-C6 segment was established by CT images of a normal human cervical spine,in which the anterior subtotal resection,decompression and fusion of the C5 vertebral body were simulated,and titanium cages with different tilt angles(-6° to-1° negative angle,that is,the front edge of titanium cage is shorter than the rear edge of titanium cage;1° to 6° positive angle,that is,the front edge of titanium cage is longer than the rear edge of titanium cage)were placed.After setting the boundary conditions,preloads of 50,100 and 150 N were applied respectively on the C4 vertebral body.The stress value of each contact point between the titanium cage and C4 lower-end plate and C6 lower-end plate(seven stress contact points on the contact surface of titanium mesh)was recorded and statistical analysis was conducted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The tilt angles of the titanium cage of the positive angle group and negative angle group under 50,100 and 150 N stress respectively were found by Mann Whitn test,with P<0.05,which was statistically significant.The dispersion coefficients of the positive angle group were smaller than those of the negative angle group under 50,100 and 150 N stress conditions.(2)Under 50,100 and 150 N stress conditions,the Wilcoxon sign rank test in the positive angle group of titanium cage tilt angle found that when the angle was set to 1° to 5°,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).However,when the tilt angle of the titanium cage was set to 6°,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)Under 50,100 and 150 N stress conditions,the Wilcoxon sign rank test in the negative angle group of titanium cage tilt angle found that when the tilt angle was set to-1° to-6°,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(4)It is concluded that in the sagittal position,the titanium cage with a positive tilt angle is more stable than with a negative tilt angle,which is more suitable for clinical use.The tilt angle of the titanium cage is relatively stable in the range of 1° to 5°.When the tilt angle is 6°,the stability starts to decline,which is easy to cause complications of titanium cage sinking after surgery.It is more suitable to select the titanium cage with a tilt angle of 1° to 5° according to the clinical situation during surgery to improve the efficacy.
9.Relationship between parenting style and emotional behavior problems in children with development dyslexia
YIN Feifei, ZHANG Jing, ZHONG Lin, LI Dan, XIAO Xinyu, ZUO Pengxiang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(7):988-992
Objective:
To explore the relationship between parenting style and emotional behavior problems in children with development dyslexia (DD), so as to provide reference for family support and intervention measures.
Methods:
From June to September 2023, 201 children in DD group and typically developing matched by age and sex were selected from the students in grades 3-6 of 4 primary schools in a district of Xinjiang by random cluster sampling method. The Childrens Version of the Parenting Style Scale and the Strength and Difficulty Scale were administered, and the occurrence of childrens emotional behavior problems and parentingstyles in the two groups were compared by Chisquare test and Wicoxon rank sum test. The correlation between parents parenting styles and childrens emotional behavior problems was analyzed by generalized linear regression.
Results:
The detection rates of emotional behavior problems were 45.77% in DD group and 15.42% in normal control children group. The differences in parenting styles between fathers and mothers of the DD group and the normal control group were statistically significant in terms of emotional warmth, parenting anxiety, and overprotection (Z=4.02, 29.03; 4.94, 26.32; 23.47, 5.30, P<0.05). Generalized linear regression analysis showed that father affective warmth was positively correlated with emotional symptoms, hyperactivity, peer interaction problems and prosocial behaviors (β=0.08, 0.05, 0.05, 0.09, P<0.05). The emotional warmth of mothers in DD group was negatively correlated with emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer interaction problems (β=-0.18, -0.08, -0.07, -0.08, P<0.05).
Conclusions
Parenting style is an important factor affecting the emotional behavior problems of DD children. Improving parenting style can reduce the occurrence of emotional behavior problems of DD children.
10.Intraseasonal variation in acute health effects of extreme heat: An example using emergency ambulance calls data in Dezhou City, Shandong Province, China
Ya ZHANG ; Shengli YIN ; Weihong YANG ; Yu ZHONG ; Qi ZHAO ; Yongbiao CUI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(8):849-854
Background Intraseasonal variation in acute health effects of extreme heat remains insufficiently investigated. Emergency ambulance calls (EACs) may offer timely insights into the population's health during such extreme heat events. Objective To analyze intraseasonal variation in the association between extreme heat and hourly EACs during summer in Dezhou City, Shandong Province, China. Methods We collected data on all-cause hourly EACs in Dezhou City from 2021 to 2022 and assigned hourly temperature and humidity data (with a spatial resolution of 0.0625° × 0.0625°) to call addresses. Summer in this study was defined as from June to September each year, with June to July considered as early summer and August to September as late summer. Extreme heat was defined as the 99th percentile of the temperature range during the summer. We employed a time-stratified case-crossover design using conditional logistic regression integrating distributed-lag nonlinear models to compare the association between extreme heat and the risk of hourly EACs in both early and late summer periods. Results A total of


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